Friday at Epsom....

Thursday, 5th June 2025

Friday at Epsom….

In ATC today….

…. I swing the bat in the handicaps at Epsom on Day 1….

I’m on AKECHETA in the 3.15 – up at 12s & 11s….

…. and I’m on PARTISAN HERO at 10s in the 5.10….

That’s the summary….

…. you’ll find all my reasoning below – as per usual….

Oh…. and if you’re looking for the standout place terms on offer – you’ll find them in the Bet Box below….

Read on….

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Having plenty of potential targets is one thing....

…. but it isn't mandatory to shoot at every one....

When you don't fancy anything....

…. it’s better to go no-bet than stab at it – just because you feel you should....

I don't fancy anything in the 3.45....

…. and I'm sticking to just two bets on the Friday card....

In the Betfred Nifty (3.15 ) I’m on AKECHETA at 12s & 11s….

After two warm-up assignments in decent handicaps at the Curragh the mare is spot-on for this….

She found one to good in the first of those races – on soft….

…. and next time she finished 6/18 beaten just under 4-lengths – stepping up in aspiration….

Never close enough to threaten a blow….

…. she nevertheless kept to her work, finished-off well, and suggested that – on another day….

…. maybe even tomorrow….

…. it’s within her scope to land a few quid in a big handicap….

I like the step back up to 10f – all her best work last time was late work….

…. a little juice – if it comes – won’t be a bother….

…. and if she’s unproven on a better surface….

…. and she is….

…. I take heart that connections targeted her at this race knowing what ground is most likely to present at Epsom on the first weekend in June….

…. and, overall, I prefer the view that Akecheta might well improve for quicker ground….

She’s Kevin Thomas Coleman’s only runner on tomorrow’s card….

…. all the way from County Tipperary….

…. and I reckon she’s on a mission….

My other bet is PARTISAN HERO in the Debenhams (5.10)….

He’s improved on turf this term….

…. and – having chased Two Tempting home at Chester last time – with the rest of the opposition well in arrears….

…. he’s up to 84 – 11lb ahead of his last winning mark….

But he’s still at the right end of the ladder….

…. and I believe he can rank higher still….

When it all drops right, I think he’s got a good day in him….

…. and tomorrow is a particularly good opportunity….

I like his inside draw – in a race where pace options are in short supply….

He likes to make it….

…. and if he gets it his own way early doors….

…. he could prove tough to pass later….

I particularly like the booking of Silvestre De Sousa….

He’s a dab hand at doing it from the front….

…. and the pair are well-matched….

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Now, just to recap….

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That’s all for today….

I’ll be back with more tomorrow….

Meantime – contact me direct at nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk  

And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd